AHEPA Voice Spring 2010 [PDF] - AHEPA District 5

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On December 5th, at the Westchester Country Club, Evzone Chapter #405 of AHEPA conducted its 6 Annual Luncheon honoring this year’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” recipient, James Zafiros. Brother Jim, a former Vice President of Sales with NBC Television, is a forty-eight year member of the AHEPA and the Chapter’s VP of Marketing and Membership. Under hisguidance and tutelage, the Chapter has expanded from 63 members, in 2005, to today where it is approaching 150. The Chapter has accepted the powerful and imposing challenge of reaching a membership goal of 200 by the time it celebrates its 50 anniversary in 2011. Upon reaching this objective it would join the ranks of the Top-Ten AHEPA chapters in the nation. Jim’s achievements have been recognized on th national level, where he was recently appoint- James Zafiros Honored by the Evzone Chapter #405 ed Regions Membership Director for AHEPA. The rewards’ luncheon was preceded by our ritualistic initiation ceremony. This beautiful and classic ceremony dates back to AHEPA’s founding in Atlanta, Georgia in 1922 and is known only to its members. The Evzone’s execution is studied, rehearsed and nearly flawless, which possibly explains the presence of the top four ranked Supreme Lodge officers, in full regalia, as well as that of District Governors from New Jersey/ Pictured here are the honoree James Zafiros, Chapter President, Joe Keane, Event Co-Chair Tom Dushas, Supreme President Nick Karacostas and Event Co-Chair Zachary Marantis. Left to Right - Front Row: Kneeling; Honoree, Jarnes Zafiros; Supreme Treasurer, Col. Nicholas Vamvakias; New Members, Harry Wilson, Emmanuel Velivasakis, George Curtis; Supreme President, Nicholas Karacostas; New Members, Dimrtri Madouros, Nicholas Jembellis, Tom Jembellis Second Row-Left to Right New York District Lodge, Michael Papaphotes & Gus Drivas; New Members, Dennis Kouloumbis, Nicholas Hatjygeorge, Evzone President, Joe Keane; New Members, John Demascus, Nicholas Apostolatos, Joe Kourakos; Supreme Regional Governor, Ted Manolios, Event C-Chair, Tom Dushas New York District Lodge, Michael Papaphotes, Jimmy Kokotas; Connecticut District Governor, Nicholas Nikas; Supreme Treasurer, Col. Nicholas Vamvakias, Sons of Pericles, Supreme Secretary, Monolis Sfinarolakis, Supreme President, Nicholas Karacostas, Evzone President, Joe Keane, Supreme Vice President, Dr. John Grossomanides, Supreme Treasurer, Anthony Kouzounis, Honoree, James Zafiros, Supreme Regional Governor, Ted Manolios, District 6 Governor, Gus Drivas, New Jersey District#5 Govemor Phil Vogis and District Lodge Treasurer, Chris Gallis. 10 Ahepa Voice – SPRING 2010
Delaware, New York and Connecticut/Rhode Island, along with their District lodges. There were more than 80 AHEPANS at the ceremony, including the guests of honor-the 15 new initiates and 4 former members. The new members, AHEPA’s and Evzone’s senior officers are shown in the picture below. They were later joined by family They were later joined by family and friends at the luncheon, making this year’s initiation Empire District’s largest and most elegant celebration. Gala events like this and the Chapter’s recent explosive growth have contributed to the Evzone Chapter being referred to as the “Membership Model of the 21st Century” for AHEPA. The question is often asked, “How is the Evzone Chapter thriving, when fraternal organizations and associations throughout the Ahepa Voice – SPRING 2010 country are on the decline?” The secret could easily lie in what the chapter provides for its members and the fraternity, purpose and focus. It is always in the forefront responding to needs relevant to the American-Greek community. Most recently, it provided $5,000 to help fund the State Department’s dinner during the Patriarchal visit. Other examples include similar responses for rehabilitation efforts for the fires in Greece and Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. Annually they provide numerous scholarships and sponsor many culturally focused Hellenism events. The chapter has a three pronged emphasis on Hellenism, education and community service. President Joe Keane has a favorite saying for the members: “Tell us what we are not doing, that you think should be done, and let’s do it together.” All these activities emanate around its monthly gourmet dinners where parea is the order of the day. It is a formula that is attractive to the very diverse membership, which includes entrepreneurs, Archons, members of Leadership 100, Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients, members of sporting Halls of Fame, physicians, attorneys, entertainment figures, media and business executives. The Chapter’s promotional efforts utilize all available multi-media tools to get its message across, which greatly contributes to its successful recruitment campaigns. The camaraderie and fellowship enjoyed by like minded professionals, who enjoy breaking bread together while they try to make this world a better place is a big attraction. All these elements combine in the Evzone’s selecting Pericles’ message to the Athenians as its motto: “We do not imitate for we are a model to others”. Brother Zafiros received a standing ovation for his closing remarks which reflected the sentiment and passion of the AHE- PANS and Philhellenes in attendance. He said: “While there are numerous American-Greek organizations and associations in this country, only one - the Order of AHEPA - is the legitimate and articulate spokesman for the Hellenic American Community.” 11
Page 3 and 4: 5th District Governor, Order of AHE
Page 6 and 7: "AHEPAcademy had a Positive Impact
Page 8 and 9: 5TH DISTRICT AHEPA CANCER RESEARCH
Page 12 and 13: Greek Independence Day Is Honored b
Page 14 and 15: HONORING A LEADER Testimonial Dinne
Page 16 and 17: That Night will Always be... 16 Ahe
Page 18 and 19: AHEPA SUPPORTS GREEK INDEPENDENCE D
Page 20: 19th Hermes Expo International Agai
Page 23 and 24: Sister Evelyn Marose Appointed As A
Page 25 and 26: Wyckoff, NJ Sons of Pericles Host E
Page 27 and 28: Ahepa Voice - SPRING 2010 27

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